How to Choose the Right Gloves for Winter Adventures

When the temperature drops and the wind picks up, having the right pair of gloves can make the difference between a great day outdoors and heading home early with frozen fingers. And with winter activities ranging from the school run to ski trips, there’s no single glove that does it all.

Here’s a simple guide to help you choose well, using a few examples from Viking’s range to point you in the right direction.

Everyday Winter Wear & Cold-Weather Commuting

For day-to-day winter use, you don’t want something bulky or technical — just warm, comfortable and practical. Think dog walks, early-morning commutes, scraping the car windscreen… that sort of thing.

A good everyday glove should feel soft, fit neatly and keep the wind out. A bit of insulation helps too, but nothing heavy.

Examples from Viking:

• Solano Multifunctional Gloves – lightweight, warm and ideal for general winter wear.

• Men’s Comfort Thinsulate Gloves – a simple, good-value option with reliable Thinsulate insulation.

These are the sort of gloves you leave by the door and grab without thinking. No fuss, just dependable warmth.

Winter Hiking & Outdoor Photography

If you’re out on the hills or wandering coastal paths with a camera in hand, your gloves need to do a bit more. You want warmth, of course, but also movement — enough dexterity to adjust a camera dial, zip a jacket, or handle binoculars.

Breathable fabrics are a must for long walks, and water resistance helps when the weather inevitably turns.

Examples from Viking:

• Meris Gloves – a step up in protection, with better materials and weather resistance.

• Devon Gloves – originally ski-focused, but the waterproofing and insulation make them excellent for proper winter walking too.

If you’re out for hours, especially in wind or sleet, gloves like these keep your hands functioning when you need them most.

Skiing, Snowboarding & Full-On Winter Sports

This is where glove choice really matters. On the slopes, your hands take a beating — wind, snow, falls, lifts, poles, the lot. You want something fully waterproof, well-insulated, tough and secure at the wrist.

Ski gloves are built differently: thicker, warmer and more protective. Mittens are even better for those who feel the cold easily.

Examples from Viking:

• Norvik Pro Ski Gloves – proper alpine gear made for harsh conditions.

• Norvika Ski Lady Gloves – the same high performance, shaped for a women’s fit.

These are the kind of gloves you trust at altitude, where a bad choice becomes obvious very quickly.